With an abundance of online CME courses, choosing the right one can be a daunting task. In 2017, almost 1,800 accredited CME providers offered over 163,000 educational programs.
The courses vary in terms of their duration, costs, self-paced, on-demand, live, and recorded sessions. CMS courses are designed to meet the varied requirements of an international audience. They cater to the needs of physicians, residents, and medical researchers in all specialties.
This guide is your way of finding the best online CME courses for cardiovascular treatments.
Pick A CME That Offers Recertification
Like any other specialty in healthcare, cardiology requires the specialists to be up-to-date in their knowledge and psychomotor skills to ensure positive clinical outcomes. Patients managed by a certified cardiologist have a lower mortality rate than those managed by cardiologists who lack current certification. Therefore, the first step to finding the right CME is to look for one that offers recertification.
Enhances Clinical Skills
A doctor’s clinical skills can be classified into cognitive and psychomotor. Researchers found that both these clinical skills can be enhanced through CME, regardless of the medium of instruction.
For example, when care providers are given a 15-minute lecture, either by video or through written instructions, they were able to improve their assessment skills significantly. So, check to see if the course includes modules to enhance clinical skills, instead of only theory.
Check If the CME Offers Virtual Reality Simulation
Cardiology patients often require surgery. With the advent of technology, a few CME providers are offering virtual reality simulation of surgical skills for cardiologists. The aim of these simulations is the transfer of knowledge from the classroom to the operating room. Check if your online CME courses have this option.
Personalized Content
Each individual’s learning needs are different. CME’s understand that and allow for personalization of content to meet the specific needs of the learner. It starts by simply picking your specialty and answering a questionnaire. It will allow the system to generate content based on your response.
Due to its interactive nature, the complexity will increase once you are comfortable with less complicated tasks. This personalization allows you to pursue knowledge based on your needs rather than what the CME provider thinks you need.
Multiple Methods of Instruction
Since cardiology is an intrinsic field, CME should offer multiple methods of instructions. They may include online videos, live classes, seminars, webinars, on-demand content, and even virtual reality simulations. This allows you to get the most of your CME instead of just getting CE credits.
Self-Paced Learning
Those pursuing CME are already practicing in their relevant field. They may find it challenging to stick to a schedule of classes. Therefore, your CME must offer self-paced learning opportunities. This way, you can take courses when your program allows it.
Make Sure the CME Meets Your State Requirements
States vary in the hours required to gain CE credits. For example, California requires 50 credits every two years, while Texas requires 48 credits every two years. So, make sure that the CME you pick meets the credit requirements of your state.
CME is an excellent way of enhancing one’s knowledge in the ever-evolving world of cardiology. Most online CME courses offer comprehensive and personalized learning to meet your specific requirements. With these pointers, you can pick the one that suits you the best.